Hal Willner, Film and TV Music Producer, Dies From Coronavirus at 64

Film and TV music producer Hal Willner, who worked many years on Saturday Night Live, has died apparently due to coronavirus complications. He was 64.

Willner died Tuesday. His cause of death has not been determined, but he had symptoms consistent with the novel coronavirus. However, he had not been officially diagnosed.

On March 24, Willner suggested he had contracted the virus, writing in part on Twitter, “In bed on upper west side.”

His work spanned film, TV and live events, but Willner was most well known for assembling tribute albums, such as 1981’s Amarcord Nino Rota. His last was 2013’s Son of Rogues Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys.

He worked on SNL as a music sketch music producer since 1981.

“As unique a person I ever had the fortune to cross paths with,” talk show host and SNL vet Seth Meyers said on Twitter upon learning of Willner’s death.

Willner was also the score producer for Finding Forester (2000), Gangs of New York (2002) and Talladega Nights (2006), among others.

He also produced albums for musicians Marianne Faithfull and Lou Reed, among many others.